Chad

Central Africa

Chad is a country in Central Africa, home to 18.3 million people, with an area of 1,284,000 km². Its capital is N'Djamena.

Capital: N'Djamena
Population: 18.3 million
Area: 1,284,000 km²
Region: Central Africa
Density: 14.3 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Chad · Central Africa · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Chad is known for

Chad is best known for Zakouma National Park, Lake Chad and Tibesti Mountains.

Chad is a landlocked country in Central Africa known for its diverse landscapes, including the Sahara Desert, the fertile Soudan Savannah, and the scenic Ennedi Mountains. With rich wildlife, ancient cultures, and friendly locals, Chad is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Explore the country’s rugged beauty, learn about its fascinating history and traditions, and discover the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Chad at a glance

Language: French and Arabic are the official languages, but over 120 languages and dialects are spoken in the country
Currency: Central African CFA franc
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion, followed by Christianity and traditional indigenous beliefs
National dish: Chakchouka (a stew made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and eggs)
Climate: Chad has a desert climate with hot, dry, and dusty conditions throughout much of the country. The south has a tropical climate with a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April
Main industries: Agriculture (cotton, cattle, and gum arabic), oil production, and mining (uranium, gold, and natron)
GDP: $14.8 billion (2019 estimate)
Development: Chad is considered one of the least developed countries in the world, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 187 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Chad

Some of the main tourist attractions in Chad include:

Zakouma National Park a national park in southern Chad that is home to elephants, giraffes, lions, and other wildlife.
Lake Chad a large freshwater lake that is shared by Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
Tibesti Mountains a mountain range in the north of Chad that includes the highest peak in the Sahara desert, Emi Koussi.
Ennedi Plateau a region of rocky outcrops and canyons in the northeast of Chad that is home to prehistoric rock art.
Ounianga Lakes a group of 18 lakes in the Sahara desert that are known for their unique ecology and scenic beauty.
N'Djamena the capital city of Chad, which offers a mix of modern and traditional African culture, including markets, museums, and mosques.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Chad has to offer. However, the security situation in Chad can be volatile, and travel to some parts of the country is not recommended.

Chad in pictures

Chad on video

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Chad compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of Central Africa.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Cameroon	28.6 million	475,442 km²	Yaoundé
Chad	18.3 million	1,284,000 km²	N'Djamena
Republic of the Congo	6.1 million	342,000 km²	Brazzaville
Central African Republic	5.7 million	622,984 km²	Bangui